And remember, SkyMiles members based in the US are also required to meet a minimum of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs). The MQMs and what you paid to purchase them will be applied to your 2015 MQM and MQD balance, which counts toward 2016 Medallion Elite status.

Picture from Delta’s Facebook page.

Okay so how expensive is it, does it make sense and what are your other options?

The price increases dramatically the higher the Elite status you are closest to achieving (e.g. you will pay a lot less for the MQMs if you are buying to achieve Silver status versus Diamond status).

Buying the MQMs during this year-end sale will cost you:

2,500 MQMs range in price from $495 for Silver (20 cents per MQM) to $2,195 for Diamond (88 cents per MQM)

5,000 MQMs range in price from $695 for Silver (14 cents per MQM) to $2,495 for Diamond (50 cents per MQM)

7,500 MQMs range in price from $895 for Silver (12 cents per MQM) to $2,795 for Diamond (37 cents per MQM)

10,000 MQMs range in price from $1,095 for Silver (11 cents per MQM) to $2,995 for Diamond (30 cents per MQM)

Buying MQMs from Delta is a VERY expensive way to acquire MQMs and we don’t suggest it unless you plan to fly a lot with Delta in 2016 and you feel the value of the Elite status is more than the required cash outlay.